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3D090 Career Guide

Air Force

3D090: Cyber Operations Superintendent

Career transition guide for Air Force Cyber Operations Superintendent (3D090)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3D090 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Information Security Manager

$160K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

CISSP or CISM certificationCloud security certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Security, Azure Security Engineer)Knowledge of specific industry compliance frameworks (e.g., HIPAA, PCI DSS)

IT Program Manager

$145K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PMP or PRINCE2 certificationAgile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban)Experience with project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana)

Network Operations Manager

$135K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CCNP or CCIE certificationExperience with network automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Python)Cloud networking experience (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Cybersecurity Consultant

$150K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

CREST certifications (e.g., CRT, CCT)OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)Stronger client communication and presentation skills

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

$190K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

MBA or related advanced degreeExtensive experience in strategic IT planningStronger business acumen and financial management skillsExecutive leadership experience in a civilian organization

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3D090 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 3D090, you oversee the design and implementation of complex cyberspace systems. This requires you to create and maintain models of network architectures, data flows, and system dependencies to ensure optimal performance and security.

In the civilian sector, system modeling translates to designing, simulating, and analyzing complex systems in various industries, using tools and methodologies to predict system behavior and optimize performance.

Adversarial Thinking

You manage network warfare operations, which involves anticipating and countering potential cyber threats. This demands thinking like an adversary to identify vulnerabilities, develop defensive strategies, and create offensive capabilities.

Adversarial thinking becomes invaluable in cybersecurity roles, where the ability to anticipate and understand attacker motives is crucial for safeguarding digital assets and preventing breaches.

Resource Optimization

You plan, program, and develop budget inputs to ensure resource availability for operational requirements. This involves strategically allocating resources, managing budgets, and maximizing the efficiency of equipment, personnel, and funds to meet mission objectives.

Resource optimization is directly applicable to roles that require efficient management of budgets, assets, and personnel. This includes identifying inefficiencies, streamlining processes, and making data-driven decisions to maximize productivity and minimize waste.

Team Synchronization

As a 3D090, you lead and coordinate diverse teams of specialists, including system administrators, programmers, and security personnel. This demands effective communication, collaboration, and coordination to ensure seamless execution of complex projects and operations.

Team synchronization translates directly to civilian leadership roles where coordinating diverse teams, aligning individual efforts, and fostering a collaborative environment are essential for achieving organizational goals.

Situational Awareness

You are responsible for maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, including network status, security threats, and system performance. This requires constant monitoring, analysis, and reporting to ensure timely response to potential issues.

Situational awareness becomes crucial in roles that require monitoring complex environments, identifying anomalies, and responding effectively to dynamic situations. This includes risk management, incident response, and operational oversight.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Manager

SOC 11-9199.02

You've been managing complex systems and ensuring operational readiness in high-stakes environments. As a Business Continuity Manager, you'll use your skills to develop and implement plans to keep businesses running smoothly during disruptions.

IT Risk Manager

SOC 15-1212.00

You're adept at identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating risks in cyberspace. As an IT Risk Manager, you'll leverage your expertise to assess IT risks, develop security protocols, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Management Consultant

SOC 13-1111.00

You've been evaluating organizational structures and improving methods and procedures. As a Management Consultant, you'll apply your analytical skills and leadership experience to help businesses optimize their operations and achieve strategic goals.

Data Center Manager

SOC 11-3021.00

You have experience directing activities for installing, maintaining, and repairing systems and equipment platforms. As a Data Center Manager, you will be responsible for the efficient and secure operation of data centers, ensuring high availability and optimal performance.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Cyber Operations Training, Goodfellow AFB, TX

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in management and leadership

Topics Covered

  • Advanced Network Management
  • Cybersecurity Leadership
  • Resource Management and Budgeting
  • Incident Response Planning
  • Team Leadership and Mentorship
  • Strategic Communications
  • Policy Implementation and Compliance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)70% covered

While experience covers many security concepts, review the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) across all domains with a focus on legal/regulatory compliance, cryptography, and physical (datacenter) security.

CompTIA Security+80% covered

Review specific exam objectives related to compliance, risk management, and newer attack vectors not explicitly covered in older military training materials.

Project Management Professional (PMP)60% covered

Study the PMBOK guide, focusing on the formal project management processes, knowledge areas, and terminology (e.g., earned value management, critical path method) typically used in civilian project management.

AWS Certified Security - Specialty40% covered

Gain hands-on experience with AWS security services (IAM, KMS, CloudTrail, GuardDuty, Inspector) and study AWS-specific security best practices and compliance frameworks. The military experience will provide a solid foundation, but AWS expertise is needed.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)ITIL 4 Managing ProfessionalCertified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Force Intranet Control Weapon System (AIC WS)Enterprise network security management platforms (e.g., Palo Alto Networks, Cisco)
Cyberspace Vulnerability Assessment/Hunter Weapon System (CVA/H WS)Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing tools (e.g., Nessus, Metasploit)
Air Force Cyberspace Defense Weapon System (ACD WS)Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems (e.g., Splunk, QRadar)
Network Management System (NMS)Network monitoring and management software (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG)
Joint Regional Security Stacks (JRSS)Next-generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (e.g., Check Point, Fortinet)
Automated Security Incident Measurement (ASIM)Security incident and event management (SIEM) platforms (e.g., Exabeam, LogRhythm)
Unified Capabilities (UC) systemsEnterprise VoIP and video conferencing solutions (e.g., Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Microsoft Teams)

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